In Memory of My Dear Friend, Little_Queen

Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Today is day 2 of my current streak.

I want to tell you about a very special woman who passed away over the weekend. Her Spark name was Little_Queen, but her real name was Lori. I called her Sis.

I originally joined Sparkpeople in 2008, and was overwhelmed. I wasn't sure if I'd fit in here. Believe it or not, I was really shy back then! Lori was one of the first people to add me as a friend, and of course I added her back. I joined a team she was leader of, called Rootin' for Ruby. It was a very small team back then. When Lori asked me to co-lead, I turned her down...a few times! I thought I would be a terrible team leader, but Lori convinced me that I'd do just fine. She was so good at convincing me to think more highly of myself. I knew I could count on Lori to make me feel confident and brave. The shyness went away because Lori was always there to encourage me to believe in myself.

I often say that I am my own hero....but Lori was the one who made that possible. She believed in me and supported me, and always made me feel special. She never stopped encouraging me on my journey, and she celebrated every one of my non-scale victories as if they were her own. I truly did love her as a sister.

"Say not in grief that she is no more, but say in thankfulness that she was.
A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come."
-Rabindranath Tagore

If you knew Lori, then you were so blessed! And if you didn't know her, I'm sorry you missed out. She was a beautiful person, in every way. I thank God that she was part of my life and that I was part of hers. That is one of my biggest blessings.

Lori and I got to meet in 2010, along with some other dear Spark friends. It was wonderful to meet her in person, and there was no awkwardness at all! We went straight for a big bear hug, and we couldn't stop smiling. We talked as if we'd known each other our entire lives. It was wonderful to spend that day with my Spark sister and team mates!

The group of us went to lunch at a nearby restaurant together. Lori and her daughter rode in my car. At that time, my husband was out of work and we were really struggling. I was hoping that there would be something on the menu that wasn't too expensive for me and my son. Then I noticed Lori slipping something into my purse. It was a twenty dollar bill! She didn't want to embarrass me but she knew I didn't have much money, and she wanted to help. She did this quietly, in the privacy of my car, so that none of our other Spark friends would know. She didn't want accolades or pats on the back for doing something like that. She just wanted to help a friend. I will never forget that, or the many kind things she did for me during the time I knew her. I will never forget HER, or how wonderful and safe it felt to have her as a friend.

There are so many things I wish I could say to her now. I hope she really knew how much I loved her and how much her friendship meant to me. I know I'll see her again someday, though, and I will tell her everything that is in my heart.

PICTURES OF THE RUBY TEAM GET TOGETHER, ANNAPOLIS MD

(From 2010....I was close to my highest weight. I'm wearing the blue jacket. Next to me is Pinknfitcarla, and next to her is Lori.)

GIMMESPARK
You can only have a friend like that if you are a great friend yourself, as your blog shows. I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort from your thoughts of Lori and from the kindness and caring of the community that surrounds you.939 days ago

JANE1216
I just learned of Lori's passing and could not believe what I was reading. I haven't been on the Ruby page much lately b/c I'm really working on the Weight Watcher program and have been putting all my spark time there. I had no idea and I'm in a bit of a shock. I had to come right here to your page b/c I knew you would have a blog and you did and it's beautiful Pixie --- and I am so sorry for your loss --- I know you were so close and have been for such a long time. What a beautiful person -- I'm so thankful I had a chance to know her.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family. And thinking of you my friend.

RUTHIEBEAR
Lori will be greatly missed. My story is similar to yours. WHen I joined in 2008, Lori was one of my first friends. Through the years she and I cried on each others' shoulders about issue with our DD. She shared her physical struggles with me so I could pray for her. I am blessed to have known her and to have called her my friend. Pixie, I know how much she meant to you. Thank you for sharing the photos. HUGS, my friend.1003 days ago

PILLYWIGGIN
So sorry to read this Pixie! I remember Little Queen being very encouraging when I was in hospital a couple of years ago - although we hadnt met and I was new to Spark and the P Not P Team. I am glad you have so many happy memories of her to bring you comfort.1005 days ago

MAMA_CD
I'm sorry for you loss, and mine too, I never got to meet Lori but it sounds like she was truly a person to aspire to become. May she be dancing in heaven today and one day, we will join her above. 1005 days ago

MISSZIMMS
To touch the life of someone else is the greatest gift we can give to anyone....she touched you , made you a better person or maybe she just helped to bring the real you out a little brighter....either way she left her mark on this world through you....you are passing it on to all of us...thank you for that...thank you for introducing us to her....she will live on through you!1006 days ago

MRSRIGS1
Pixie, I am so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to Lori. She will always be cheering you on. Through you, you will carry her message and help others as she helped many. 1006 days ago

SUSIEMT
Yes, the love you feel for Lori definitely shines through in your blog. If she didn't know it then she knows it now. God bless you and I am so sorry for your loss and the sparkpeople community loss as well!1007 days ago

WAXINGTURTLE
I know there are no words to take away your pain. But I do know that by sharing this, those of us who never met Lori, have gotten a glimpse of her heart. She will be with you and all of us now, forever.Thank you so much for telling us about this beautiful woman you called sis. 1009 days ago